Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staunton, IL (2023 Update)
- Staunton Solar Installation Cost: $11,810
- 25-Year Savings: $14,945
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staunton
We go over average solar pricing in Staunton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Staunton it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Staunton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,810 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Staunton homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Staunton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,740 |
| 3 years | $-8,599 |
| 5 years | $-6,459 |
| 7 years | $-4,319 |
| 9 years | $-2,178 |
| 11 years | $-38 |
| 13 years | $2,103 |
| 15 years | $4,243 |
| 17 years | $6,383 |
| 19 years | $8,524 |
| 21 years | $10,664 |
| 23 years | $12,805 |
| 25 years | $14,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Staunton
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Staunton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staunton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Staunton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Staunton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Staunton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $14,065 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,058 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,205 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,505 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,958 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $40,563 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $46,321 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $52,233 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Staunton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Staunton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Staunton?
The average cost of solar panels in Staunton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $866.31 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.